Indians notebook: Several surprises for Tribe

Andy Call

Wednesday

Aug 29, 2007 at 12:01 AMAug 29, 2007 at 2:28 AM

Indians notes from Aug. 29.

A baseball season doesn’t reach its sixth month without some surprises. In Cleveland, sometimes they are even pleasant ones.
Indians Manager Eric Wedge on Wednesday spent a few moments discussing right-hander Fausto Carmona, left-hander Rafael Perez, outfielder Franklin Gutierrez and second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera. All have provided key contributions to a first-place team.
“A number of guys have done outstanding jobs, in more pivotal roles than you might have imagined,” Wedge said.
Carmona (14-8, 3.16 ERA) was projected to begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo. He was first a one-month injury replacement for Cliff Lee, then a one-month injury replacement for Jake Westbrook. Carmona pitched so well, however, there was never a discussion of sending him down. He ranks fourth in the American League in ERA.
Perez (1-1, 1.70) began the season in Buffalo but was promoted for the second and final time May 28 and has been pitching the seventh or eighth inning most nights. His ERA ranks fourth among AL relievers, his .186 opponents’ batting average seventh.
“I don’t think you can even envision having someone fill the role he’s filled and doing the job he’s done for us,” Wedge said. “His slider is good, and his sinker is so dramatic. He has great action on his pitches. He’d be right up there on the list of guys who have stepped up.”
Gutierrez was recalled for the second and final time May 31. Although he has struggled recently (.218 average and 10 RBIs since July 25), he is hitting .306 off left-handers and has given the Indians speed on the basepaths and in right field.
Cabrera took over the starting second baseman’s job from struggling Josh Barfield on Aug. 14 and was batting .302 in 15 games through Tuesday.
“He’s a baseball player,” Wedge said. “His instincts are strong, he’s very comfortable out there and he enjoys playing the game. He likes to be up there in key situations, and he’s doing a great job defensively as well.”
A Night Off
Jhonny Peralta was not in Wednesday’s starting lineup. Asdrubal Cabrera started at SS and Chris Gomez at 2B. Peralta was 3-for-28 with 22 strikeouts in his career against Minnesota LHP Johan Santana. Peralta also had four hits in his last 18 at-bats (.222) through Tuesday.
The Three Amigos
Wedge said he likes the outfield combination of Kenny Lofton in left, Grady Sizemore in center and Franklin Gutierrez in right. “That’s a good defensive outfield,” Wedge said. “They’ll cover a lot of ground. Those are three center fielders out there.”
Remember Me?
Barfield hasn’t started a game since Aug.14. “He’s been a great teammate and continues to work hard,” Wedge said. “He’s doing a good job of using this time to work. We’re working to put the best team out there. With that comes tough decisions.”
Umpire Clinic
An umpiring clinic will take place Sept. 15 at Jacobs Field, led by veteran MLB ump Ed Hickox. The clinic begins at 2:45 p.m. and ends at 5. The admission price includes a ticket to that evening’s game. For more information, call John Bowers at 216-420-4493.
Best of the Bisons
Triple-A Buffalo named 1B Ryan Mulhern its team MVP, LHP Aaron Laffey most valuable pitcher and INF Luis Rivas comeback player of the year.
On the Farm
Double-A Akron 1B Jordan Brown has been named Eastern League Rookie of the Year. Brown came into Wednesday leading the league with a .326 average and leading his team in doubles (32) and RBIs (72). He was Carolina League MVP at Single-A Kinston in 2006.
Reach Repository sports writer Andy Call at (330) 580-8346 or andy.call@cantonrep.com.

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